Tourism sustainability in Helsinki

Lead-in paragraph

Helsinki is committed to sustainability in all its activities. According to many international indicators, Helsinki and tourism as part of it are doing well in terms of sustainable development. Sustainability is considered a differentiation factor and competitive advantage for Helsinki. Sustainable growth and renewal will become a reality if public and private actors change their practices responsibly and on a long-term basis. Succeeding in this also requires systematic planning, measuring, monitoring, communication and support for companies and other operators on the path towards certification and continuous development of operations. The goal is to be the most sustainable destination in the world.

We will develop Helsinki into the smartest and most sustainable travel destination.

Helsinki City Strategy

Helsinki is an international pioneer and solution provider in sustainability, tourism and events.

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026

Good life in Helsinki

It is possible to have a good life in Helsinki, as proven by many indicators. Both locals and visitors alike can enjoy the cleanliness, functionality and safety of Helsinki.

Helsinki – It's a good life

Helsinki can boast being one of the top performers in many international rankings.

Developing sustainable tourism in Helsinki

Developing the sustainability of tourism companies

Helsinki supports tourism companies in developing their sustainability in many different ways. You can peruse the guides and other supporting materials in our site Tourism sustainability for businesses.

Sustainable Tourism Policy

Helsinki has outlined the sustainable tourism policy that guide all the city's tourism development efforts. Get acquainted with the principles of sustainable tourism in Helsinki (pdf).

Sustainability in the Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026

The Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026 is divided into three strategic goals, and point B is especially tied to sustainability. The subgoals of the section are as follows:

B.1. Environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality at the forefront of development

B.2. Helsinki residents, inclusiveness and social and cultural sustainability at the core of development

B.3. Helsinki is a world leader in sustainability, verified by indices and certifications

B.4. The availability of skilled labour is vital for the sectors

B.5. Focusing on comprehensive safety is a prerequisite for the city’s appeal

Helsinki's Tourism Carbon Footprint and Climate Road Map

In the spring of 2023, Helsinki's tourism emissions (in Finnish) were estimated for the first time together with 14 other municipalities in Uusimaa. The calculation was carried out by the Carbon Neutral Experience project. Read the final report of the calculation (pdf). Based on the results of the calculation, a Climate Action Plan for Tourism 2023–2036 (pdf) was created in May 2023. See also the supplementary Climate Change Preparedness and Adaptation Plan 2024 for Tourism and Events in Helsinki (pdf, in Finnish).

Circular economy programme for tourism and events

In Helsinki’s Action Plan for the Circular and Sharing Economy (pdf, in Finnish), measure 23 includes a circular economy programme for tourism and events, consisting of seven components.

Helsinki Visitor Pressure

Helsinki aims to be the most sustainable tourism destination in the world. At the same time, the goal is to increase the number of visitors significantly. These dual objectives can be achieved by developing sustainable tourism holistically with the entire tourism ecosystem. One of the key factors in achieving this balance is controlling visitor volumes, both on a citywide scale and in specific areas experiencing pressure.

Helsinki Visitor Pressure - Analysis and Management Plan 2024–2026

Resident Involvement in Tourism Development

According to the Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026, the well-being of Helsinki residents must be the starting point for all development. Helsinki has an action plan for engaging residents for the years 2022–2024 (pdf, in Finnish). The Helsinki Tourism and Destination Management Unit conducts research every two years to gather residents' views on the impacts of tourism on the city, with the most recent study conducted in February 2023 (prior research from years 2019 and 2021(Link leads to external service), pdfs, in Finnish). Additionally, Helsinki seeks development ideas through surveys directed to locals. The city also organizes public hearings and actively communicates the current state of tourism and upcoming projects. The yearly resident involvement report describes the results from various studies and surveys, as well as the resulting actions: see the report from 2023 and 2024 (both in Finnish).

Inclusivity in Tourism and Events

According to the Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026, Helsinki residents, inclusiveness, and social and cultural sustainability are at the core of development. In spring 2023, a comprehensive analysis of the current state of inclusiveness in Helsinki's tourism and events (pdf) has been completed, including also guidelines for developing inclusiveness in the future.

Certifications and Indices

Promoting sustainable tourism should be credible, measurable, and comparable. Opportunities for greenwashing should actively be reduced, and Helsinki aims to set an example. In 2024, Helsinki was ranked number one on the international Global Destination Sustainability Index(Link leads to external service) that measures the overall sustainability of destinations. Helsinki aims to obtain Green Destinations Certification(Link leads to external service) in 2024 and the Sustainable Travel Finland label(Link leads to external service) by 2025. Feedback regarding the implementation or content of certifications can be given through this form(Link leads to external service).

EcoCompass Certificate

The Helsinki City Executive Office (which the Tourism and Destination Management Unit is also a part of) was awarded the EcoCompass Certificate on 12 May 2023 for managing and developing environmental matters in accordance with the EcoCompass environmental management system.

Ekokompassi-sertifikaatti — The Helsinki City Executive Office (which the Tourism and Destination Management Unit is also a part of) was awarded the EcoCompass Certificate 12 May 2023 for managing and developing environmental matters in accordance with the EcoCompass environmental management system.

The office building of the Helsinki Tourism and Destination Management Unit at Kansakoulukatu 3 was issued a LEED Gold certificate in November 2022 (rating tool LEED v 4 Core& Shell). In addition to this, Kansakoulukatu 3 aims for responsible energy use: the building electricity, district heating and district cooling are all CO2-free.

What is Helsinki doing to promote the sustainability of tourism?

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026

The Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026 states that Helsinki is an international pioneer and solution provider in sustainability, tourism and events.

Helsinki's SDG report 2023

City of Helsinki's third SDG-report (Sustainable Development Goals) to the UN was published in 2023.

Global Destination Sustainablity Movement

Helsinki takes part in the programme, which involves extensive measuring of the sustainability of the destination, on the basis of which the destinations are ranked in order of preference. Helsinki reached the top position in the index in 2024.

Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism

City of Helsinki signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism in June 2022. All signatories of the declaration commit themselves to creating a concrete climate action plan and acting as an example of sustainable tourism for others.

Sustainable Travel Finland Programme

Helsinki participates in the Sustainable Travel Finland programme and, as a tourist destination, Helsinki aims for the STF label by 2025.

Sustainable Helsinki

The Sustainable Helsinki website compiles the sustainable development measures taken by the city.

Accessible Helsinki

Helsinki wants to be an accessible city for all, including travelers. For example, Helsinki was the second place winner in the 2022 EU Access City Award.

Climate Watch

Helsinki aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. The Climate Watch website tracks Helsinki’s journey towards carbon neutrality.

Helsinki selected for EU Mission “100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030”

Helsinki has been selected for the EU Mission “100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030”.

City of Helsinki’s procurement strategy 2020 (pdf)

Sustainability has been put at the heart of the city’s procurement strategy.

Helsinki’s tourism commitments

City of Helsinki signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism in June 2022. Cities and tourism operators that sign the Glasgow Declaration commit themselves to halve emissions from tourism by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.